Tennessee’s Kenny Hall (20) and Jordan McRae (52) celebrate their teams 60-57 victory over Connecticut in an NCAA college basketball game on Saturday, Jan. 21, 2012, in Knoxville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Wade Payne)KNOXVILLE – Jordan McRae flashed a smile.
The mere mention of the Tennessee basketball wing’s scoring ability prompted such a response.
“I don’t think that’s going anywhere,” he said before the Volunteers’ practice Monday afternoon. “That’s always going to be there.”
It’s what else is there now that might be making a bigger impact for McRae and UT.
The sophomore’s scoring talents have never been in doubt, but the other areas of his game have caused him some struggles this season. McRae played his way out of a midseason lull, which has allowed him to carve out a nice role off the bench. The key to some of the success has been improvements in rebounding, defense and intensity.